Head

Question 1

TMJ

Answer 1

Painful jaw movement characterized by dull pain and

tenderness in the TMJ area

Question 2

symptoms of TMJ

Answer 2

– Headache, particularly present upon awakening
– Tenderness of the jaw muscles
– Pain in or around the ear, that often spreads to the face
– Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening or closing teeth
– Pain or difficulty in chewing, yawning or opening wide
– Jaws that “get stuck” or “lock”
– Earache or pain when no infection is present
– dizziness

Question 3

causes of TMJ syndrome

Answer 3

– lost or crooked teeth
– overbite
– teeth that fit together poorly (malocclusion)
– degenerative arthritis
– various head or neck injuries including whiplash
– stress causing clenched teeth (bruxism) and muscle spasms

Question 4

What can occur when TMJ is prolonged?

Answer 4

your body may begin to compensate by adapting an unnatural position involving the muscles of the neck, back or even the arms and pelvis.

Question 5

Treatment for TMJ

Answer 5

– NSAIDs, heat/cold, decreased movement, stress-reduction measures,
– Splinting, adjustment, reshaping of teeth, surgical repair, Botox injections.

Question 6

How do you perform an exam for TMJ

Answer 6

*Assess ROM:
– Open/close (3 to 6 cm between upper and lower teeth)
– Lateral movement (1 to 2 cm in each direction)
– Protrusion/retraction
*Palpate
– Pain
– Crepitus/locking/popping (may or may not be normal)
*Assess muscle strength (clenched teeth)
– Temporalis
– Masseter